A sod turning, signifying the start of construction of one of the largest capital investment projects to date by Uisce Éireann took place on Friday, April 21.
Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Aengus O’Rourke gave a rousing speech to the crowd which included, Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister Peter Burke, Deputy Robert Troy TD, Senator Micheál Carrigy, Senator Eugene Murphy, representatives from Uisce Éireann, Westmeath County Council, members of the local community and pupils from St Peter’s and St. Mary’s National Schools.
“I am very proud as an Athlone public representative to see this scale of investment happening in our town. When completed, the €114 million project will reduce the risk of sewer flooding in Athlone and improve water quality in the River Shannon which is something we all want to see.”
“This project represents a further step in the continued development of Athlone as the Regional Growth Centre for the Midlands. As the business, tourism, educational capital of the midlands, Athlone has huge potential and we as elected representatives and as a council will remain ambitious and forward looking for the town.
“I want to recognise the state’s investment and commitment to Athlone as we speak there is in the region of €200 million of state supported work underway or about to get underway in Athlone, namely the flood defences, this scheme, the cycleway bridge, and the various cycleway projects and plan, town regeneration funding, our housing projects - to name but a few.”
Commenting on the importance of the project, the CEO of Uisce Éireann, Niall Gleeson said, “This is a landmark project for Athlone and its surrounding communities, and we are looking forward to delivering it on their behalf.
“The project itself is one of the largest capital investments by Uisce Éireann to date and will bring numerous benefits to the local community and environment. It is a massive undertaking for us and our delivery partners, and today marks another major milestone in our work to ensure that wastewater is adequately treated and meets appropriate standards before being safely discharged to the environment.”
